March Detention Staff Members of the Month

By Ashleigh Sloop

Posted Tuesday, May 7, 2013

On March 21, 2013 , an inmate confined in the special housing unit produced a self-inflected injury. The inmate had previously swallowed a toothbrush and embedded a comb in his right arm earlier in the month. The local hospital remedied these issues and repaired the wound. He reopened this wound exposing muscle tissue and was again treated at the local hospital and returned to the Detention Center.

The inmate was placed under active suicide watch upon return. At approximately 2:40 p.m., the inmate reopened his wound on his right arm causing significant blood loss. The inmate bit through sutures causing a six-inch long, two-inch wide and one-inch deep opening in his arm. Medical staff indicated the inmate shredded through the existing sutures with his teeth.

Sergeant Whitt and Detention Officer Clarke called for immediate assistance. Officers Hauser, and Cole entered the cell to control the inmate. Pressure was applied to the wound. They moved the inmate to the 8-South medical examination room for immediate medical attention. Medical staff successfully treated the inmate's injury and the inmate was transported to the local hospital for further treatment of the wound.

This inmate has a history of intentionally directing injury toward himself, and has been a management challenge. The inmate has been subsequently moved to the Department of Corrections for "safe-keeping".
The quick action of these officers both preserved the security of the inmate and allowed the delivery of immediate lifesaving first aid. Their actions demonstrate their commitment to security and the well-being of inmates.